Description - Hapuna Beach is a landscaped beach park covering 62 acres. It is a favorite of locals and a beautiful stretch of beach.

Attractions - This state recreation area provides excellent access to many water sports as well as access to the historic coastal trail, Ala Kahakai. The site offers picnicking facilities and a food concessionaire.

Hapuna features six A-frame shelters which are available for rental. The four-person shelters consist of a single room with wooden sleeping platforms and an outdoor picnic table. A centrally located pavilion with a range, refrigerator and tables is available for shared use by all shelters. Comfort stations with cold showers and restrooms are also shared. Contact the Hawai'i district of the State Parks for reservations and more information.

The Ala Kahakai Trail follows the coastline over ancient fishermen`s trails and Hawaiian Kingdom roads that have been connected through generations of use to form a single continuous route.The trail also provides access to some of the most pristine shoreline remaining in Hawaii, as well as numerous anachialine ponds, which are unique ecosystems given highest protection.

Recreation - This beach is popular for swimming, snorkeling and diving on calm summer days. Winter weather brings larger surf for body and board surfing, as well as strong rip currents to the area. These unpredictable currents have become deadly in several cases at Hapuna. The state advises that waves over three feet high be avoided by everyone but the experts.

Climate - The island of Hawaii, like the others in the chain, has a windward and leeward climate. The windward (eastern) side of the island receives a lot of moisture. Hilo's monthly averages are above 8 inches. Winter and spring months receive the most moisture, but count on rain if you're traveling in this region. The leeward side can be almost desert like. The mountains are so large on Hawaii, that they trap the moisture on the windward side. Most of the days are sunny on the western coast of Hawaii and hence the tourists flock to this region.

Temperatures on the island of Hawaii are moderate with year round averages near 74 degrees F. The temperatures differ more with elevation than the seasons. Winter clothing such as gloves, hats and layered clothing is necessary if camping in any of the high elevation campgrounds on the island.

Location - Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area is located on the leeward coast of the Big Island, north of Kona. Access to the site can be gained from the Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway.

LAT: 19.9938889
LONG: -155.8280556